Though we live in one of the most diverse food cultures in the world, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of eating only at familiar restaurants. We get it – not every place has child-friendly facilities and Beijing traffic can put a snarl in even the most adventurous of plans. However, it would be a shame to miss out on all the regional cuisines that China has to offer. For our annual food issue, we decided to visit seven regional Chinese restaurants ranging from Shandong to Taiwanese; some will be familiar, most you’ve probably never heard of before. So for the New Year, we propose making a resolution to eat more, not less. Dig in!

Tang Palace
Perhaps the best-known variety of Chinese cuisine internationally, Cantonese food is ideal for kids because of its variety and clean flavors. Dim sum in particular is popular with families, and for good reason; the small portions and neatly-wrapped buns and dumplings mean kids can sample several dishes in one sitting.

Tang Palace, a Guangdong restaurant chain with several branches in Beijing, was recommended to us by a Guangdong mom. From the gold-trimmed entryway to the main dining hall bustling with chattering customers, Tang Palace captures the essence of Hong Kong-style dim sum. Best of all, many of the best menu items are available at rock-bottom prices, making kids and parents alike go back for seconds.

These dishes are mostly steamed, making them a healthier alternative to some of China’s oilier and heavier fare. Hong Kong locals usually refer to dim sum as going for a “drink of tea” or yum cha (饮茶) because tea is so frequently served with these bite-sized dishes. Dumplings of all kinds are some of the more popular choices; the skin is typically made with starch or rice flour, and sticks lightly to chopsticks when steamed. Other popular dim sum items include rice noodle rolls (changfen), spring rolls, congee (rice porridge), spare ribs, steamed meatballs, and lotus leaf rice, just to name a few.

Note that there’s a 10 percent surcharge and regular tea costs an extra RMB 5 per customer. Dim sum is available at the Chaoyangmen branch daily from 10am to 10pm. The availability at other branches varies (see p56 for details).

Family facilities: The bathroom has western toilets with soap and toilet paper. Both chopsticks and cutlery are available, with highchairs and menus in English and Chinese (but without pictures). The main banquet hall is non-smoking; smaller side rooms allow smoking.